Jereme Richmond back in jail

Former Illinois basketball player Jereme Richmond was returned to Lake County (Ill.) Jail on Thursday after he violated terms of his probation, according to assistant state's attorney Jim Newman.

Richmond was originally arrested Aug. 9, 2011, on felony charges of aggravated battery, unlawful use of a weapon and aggravated assault after allegedly confronting his ex-girlfriend's father. He pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful use of a weapon Jan. 23 and was sentenced to 18 months of probation and 180 days of jail, which was stayed until Thursday.

Newman notified Judge John Phillips on Thursday that Richmond had tested positive for marijuana on Oct. 19, failed to attend an orientation class for domestic violence and broke his 6 p.m.-6 a.m. curfew.

Phillips lifted Richmond's 180-day stay Thursday and Richmond returned to jail with no bail. He will be back in court at 9 a.m. on Monday, and Phillips will decide whether to keep Richmond in jail or remove him to allow him to continue his treatment.

Newman said Friday he would have no trouble proving Richmond had violated his probation if Phillips decided Richmond should remain in jail for the rest of his sentence.

Richmond, a former McDonald's All-American from Waukegan, Ill., played the 2010-11 season at Illinois. He averaged 7.6 points and 5.0 rebounds in 31 games. He was suspended before the NCAA tournament for an athletic code violation and never suited up again for the Illini.

He left school early for the NBA draft, but he was not selected.

Richmond agreed to a contract with the Sauk Valley Predators of the Premier Basketball League in February. He later quit the team before the end of the season.

Scott Powers is the Blackhawks beat reporter for ESPNChicago.com. He is an award-winning journalist and has been reporting on preps, colleges and pros for publications throughout the Midwest since 1997.